Between my years at UC Irvine and then my next 4 years working for a law firm in the big building (owned by In-N-Out) towering over Le Diplomate, I had many a meals there. Can't go wrong with the garlic chicken or the chicken with bacon and ranch. Also, they have awesome croissants that can be eaten as is or made into an outstanding breakfast sandwich. Used to be pretty cheap too but since its been a few years, I can't say for sure. Great Mom & Pop sandwich shop though. read more

Might as well be a robot writing this review because its' going to echo the sentiments everyone is saying. Chicken Mushroom Brocolli with garlic sauce is great. Anyhow, I got that sandwich sauce, and it was creamy. Creamy, hmm, is that a good thing? I think it was a bit too much... next time I should ask for less garlic sauce, because the sauce did make my whole sandwich wet and gloopy. But still, when I was taking bites where the garlic sauce wasn't gloopy, the combination of chicken, brocolli and mushroom went very well together. So in reality, I can see what people are talking about, and maybe next time, I can "adjust" my sandwich for a better experience. read more

Awesomely affordable and delicious! I had the chicken eggplant sandwich--chunks of chicken breast, slices of eggplant, feta, and a killer garlic sauce that leaves that interminable garlicky taste in your mouth but also serves as a happy reminder of the yummy sandwich just experienced. All packed into a 9-inch baguette and pressed into a panini. Perf! Even after spilling said garlic sauce and chicken on my skirt, I couldn't be mad at this panini. I went through the rest of the day with a sauce-stained lap, but I still felt so accomplished for having found this place! I'm definitely returning to Le Diplomate in the future for good eats. At this price, why wouldn't you want to come back for a nine-inch roll of tasty goodness? Yes, that's what she said. read more

Yea....I'm craving something greasy and yummy that'll leave a stench on my breath for the rest of the day. You guessed it, it's time for a chicken garlic sandwich!!! When I used to attend UCI, Le Diplomate Cafe was always a sure bet. I must admit, I haven't ventured out much on the menu since the chicken garlic sandwich has been so good to my belly. I'm skimming through the other reviews and I see much of the same. As I write this, I promise I'll try a new sandwich next time...to go along with my chicken garlic sandwich. =) read more

$3.10 for a delicious 5" sandwich-- can't get much better than this! Been to Le Diplomate a couple times before and I would normally order the Garlic Chicken, but I decided to switch it up today and try the Chicken Eggplant (due to the Yelp reviews) and the eggplant made the sandwich more interesting! I wish the eggplant was more well spread throughout the sandwich as there were just 2 large chunks of eggplant but oh well. Regardless, I'm in love with their garlic sauce, not really sure what it's made of but it's like liquid gold! Walked out with a scrumptious sandwich, a Vietnamesed iced coffee in hand, (~$5 less in my pocket) and with a smile on my face! read more

MY FAVORITE SANDWICH! MUST HAVE: - Chicken Broccoli mushroom with EXTRA Garlic Sauce - Chicken Dijon Their bread is so toasty and good. I literally ate this 3-4 times a week when I went to UC Irvine. Get the large size sandwich, you'll be glad you did. read more

Mmm, people were spot on about that garlic sauce. I am a HUGE fan. After reading all the reviews, how could I not get the chicken broccoli mushroom sandwich? I couldn't. After the huge number of gushing reviews, actually walking inside was a bit anticlimactic. It looks pretty much like any old standard deli with very little seating and a dim display counter in front. However, the sandwich held up to its hype and then some. I got the half-size, which was a perfect size indeed.. the full would've been hefty, I'm sure. The sauce was deliciously creamy but didn't give me a greasy/oily feeling at all, so I don't know what the other reviewer was complaining about. It's definitely not smothered in the sauce but balances the chicken, mushroom, and broccoli in just the right amount of smear. I personally loved it and would totally come back again if I was in the area! Note: if you're not from this area, it's a little tricky to find because it's nestled within the plaza. It's pretty close to the Peet's and Trader Joe's, so if you just walk into the plaza you'll be able to find it easily. read more

LOVED the garlic chicken sandwich with mushrooms and broccoli! The garlic sauce was packed with yummy garlic flavor and the bread was nicely toasted. I also really liked the sriracha they had on hand. It had a slightly sweet flavor to it (which I found to be pretty unique for sriracha) and went surprisingly really well with the sandwich. It's so awesome they also have lots of water on the side in huge cups that you can just grab too! read more

As a UCI alumni, I lived 5 minutes away from Le Dip for 4 years, but never actually ate there. Now fast forward a couple years after graduation, and I found myself living next to UCI again (except this time it's to be closer to work). I finally decided to see what all the fuss was about, and got the Chicken Cordon Bleu hot sandwich. It was pretty good, and I really liked their garlic sauce. There was nothing really wrong with it, but I'm simply not giving 5 stars because there was nothing extremely remarkable about it either. But it was relatively cheap and was tasty. I do have to say though, that these sandwiches definitely do not photograph well lol...they look like someone sat on them in all the pictures. read more

Le Diplomate Cafe - Chicken Cordon Bleu - Bakeries Near Me - Irvine, California

So... I was really craving a Le Dip sandwich Friday at work. I was planning to go for lunch, but ended up grabbing a sandwich with from il fornaio with my coworkers. Sadly, the turkey sandwich was way over priced and made my craving for Le Dip even stronger...so on Saturday, after a shopping trip to South Coast, I finally got my chicken, broccoli, mushroom sandwich with garlic sauce. (sigh of relief) After I finished my warmly toasted sandwich with the nicely melted cheese, I was left wanting more. I knew I should have ordered the 9 inch. Their sandwiches are reasonably priced. $2.99 for any 5 inch and the 9 inch sandwiches range from $4.00-$5.00. Update: After my workout, I was really craving a croissant breakfast sandwich. I have yet to find a place in orange county that does it to my liking. Anyways, I hit up the Irvine Farmer's Market to pick up some fruits and then went to Le Diplomate because I knew they have breakfast sandwiches. I figured since I am in love with their regular sandwiches, I'd love their croissant egg bacon and cheese sandwich. Unfortunately, I have had better. The croissant was huge! but not as crispy as I like them. Although the bacon was crispy, it was fatty and oily. The contents inside the croissant was warm, but it would have been better if the croissant was toasted. Point being, when I go here in the future I will stick to my usual nicely toasted sandwiches. read more

My friends and I ordered four different sandwiches to share and compare notes. Sandwiches are listed in order of most liked to least: * Vietnamese Special Combo w/Pate (9") - $4.85 (4 Stars) The bread was great, fresh veggies, good amount of meat and pate. One of the heartiest Vietnamese, bánh mì sandwiches I've ever had. * Chicken Eggplant (9") - $5.45 (3 Stars) 'Always looking for a tasty eggplant sandwich. This was just okay, bread and eggplant were good, chicken, bland and flavorless. All under a garlic/ranch sauce. (The sauce can be a tad over powering, burying the other competing tastes/flavors.) * Vietnamese Chicken Sandwich - $4.85 (2 Stars) 'Like the bánh mì combo, bread, good, veggies, fresh, chicken, lots of it but again bland. * Bacon Chicken Club (9") - $5.45 (2 Stars) 'Nothing special, bacon and tomato atop flavorless chucks of chicken smothered in a garlic/ranch sauce I would definitely come back for the - Vietnamese Special Combo w/Pate. 'Maybe even try the other bánh mì sandwiches on the menu but I think the verdict is in on the American style sandwiches. Pass. SP liked the bánh mì combo but added that she liked the flavor of the sandwiches from Bánh Mì & Che Cali better. Three-for-$5! Bánh Mì & Che Cali - http://www.yelp.com/biz/banh-mi-and-che-cali-garden-grove - Aloha Food: 3 Ambiance: 3 Service: 3 Value: 2 read more

This place have yummy for a very reasonable price. You can get a 5 in or 9 in for about $4 - $6. Vietnamese Meat with Pate Sandwich have so much meat in it and definitely much much better than the one from Lee's Sandwich that's in the same plaza My all time favorite is the CHICKEN EGGPLANT SANDWICH with swiss. At first, I was not so thrill that the oil soaked through the wrapper, but this sandwich is amazing with sriracha. This place is the reason why I miss being a student at UCI. My roommates and I used to always come here to order sandwiches for our picnic at Aldrich Park on campus. Good times =) read more

I went to this sandwich shop today, and after reading all the reviews, I knew i just had to try the garlic chicken and I must say i was pleasantly surprised. the sandwich is a little bit overpowering in the sense that I can't just eat it by itself and I need to dip it in the sriracha sauce they provide in order to balance it out a little bit. But I must say it was really good though. The price are just phenomenal as its very cheap considering its right across from UCI. You get a drink, bag of chips and a 9 inch sandwich for like 7.50, what a deal! I can't wait to come back here to try other sandwiches. read more

yum.... le dip :D Best sandwiches AND locally in walking distance of UCI. Oh, how I miss getting a chicken-broccoli-mushroom-with-garlic-sauce 9 inch sandwich between classes. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. I also looove the eggplant with garlic sauce, it was a frequent meal during my vegetarian days. Greasy goodness! yummmmmm read more

this place is truly amazing... i think i've only tried 2 or 3 sandwiches here but i can say their CHICKEN BROCCOLI MUSHROOM with garlic sauce is a must have!! that has been my loyal sandwich ever since. the couple that owns this place are extremely nice and sweet. they do have students that work for them i think, that are just as friendly. there's also lines out the door around lunch time... so pick your time wisely! their hours are great though. i've been here over 10+ times and my favorite sandwich never disappoints, there must be crack in their garlic sauce or something! lol, jk. it's really good though!! the garlic sauce + the melted cheese all baked up with broccoli and mushroom is oh so satisfying. i always and i mean always get a 9" inch portion even if i'm not even all that hungry. why? because once i ordered a 4", and it just left me wanting more! i don't like to be teased... i like to enjoy every single minute of that savory sandwich until i can't even eat anymore!!! it's just that good... oh how i miss living in fullerton and eating le dip sandwiches! it's so cheap too!! best part about it is the quality, taste, and affordability! read more

I wish more than five stars was possible. My fave is the chicken broccoli mushroom sandwich with garlic sauce & srircha. The chicken is always juicy, the broccoli is always super fresh, and the bread is always a little crispy but perfectly soft. Simple goodness. A "half" size of five inches is plenty to fill you up and under $4. Broke college student friendly. Bring cash or be charged a $0.25 convenience fee for orders under $7. They also have breakfast options and smoothies too, definitely on my list to try. read more

Garlic Chicken is at par with that Chicken Eggplant that I love. Garlic chicken for when I want a burst of flavor and a savory meal. Chicken Eggplant when I want a light, but fulfilling meal. read more

Every UCI student has been here once to say the very least. Le dip is such a perfect sandwich place for students. 1) it's cheap AND good. Try the chicken broccoli mushroom with garlic sauce and add a little sriracha in it. The artichoke one is also my favorite! I've also heard good things about the eggplant sandwich :) 2) it's so convenient! It's at UTC, literally across campus. 3) it has reasonable hours. I can't really say anything else besides you gotta try this place at least once. That's all it takes. I'm craving some while writing this review. read more

I can't deny it, I LOVE THIS PLACE. I come here almost once a week and I always get the same thing because it's AMAZING!!!!!!!! Things to know: 1) lines can get pretty long especially during lunch time 2) when there are lines, waiting for your sandwich to come out also takes awhile 3) you can always call them beforehand and order a sandwich and pick it up (from what I've heard) 4) price a reasonable and cheap! A real bang for your buck. Recommendations: Anything with the garlic sauce: this is basically what I'm addicted to. I find myself craving the sauce sometimes (like the FA that I am). It's creamy and garlic-y and delicious. Chicken, broccoli, and mushroom: this is my go-to sandwich. I always get this with extra Gaelic sauce AND they give free sriracha and add that to the sandwich, it becomes even more delicious!!!! The bread is amazinf Vie de France bread meaning its crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Seriously amazing. Seriously, go here instead of lee's sandwich, it's WAAAYYYY better. read more

Someday you will be mine again! I used to frequent this place often when I was going to UCI. Nestled in the middle of the University Center, it was a great place to grab lunch or dinner. All their sandwiches are made to order so you can expect a little wait and a longer wait when they're busy, but trust me it's worth it. My favorite sandwich is the chicken, broccoli, mushroom with garlic sauce. Ask for a few containers of sriracha and you'll definitely be in sandwich heaven. The sandwich comes to you extremely hot because it's freshly made. If you're a fan of Earl's Sandwich in Las Vegas, that place pales in comparison to Le Dip! Whenever I am back on my old stomping grounds I always ask myself if I should just get a sandwich to bring home because it's that good. read more

I can't believe I've never been here and I went to UCI. My friends couldn't stop talking about this and they couldn't believe it themselves! Anyway, I'm glad I came -- better late than never! So I ordered the bacon chicken club with garlic and ranch dressing. OMG, it's so BOMB! You have to get the extra side of sriracha!!! I even had a peach strawberry yogurt smoothie with it and that was definitely refreshing! Now that I'm thinking about it, I want to go to Irvine just to get it! haha. Oh! and the pricing is just right. I bought the 5 inch with the smoothie for about $8. Not bad if you're going to school right? Well, I can't wait to go back!!! :) read more

Between here and Mr. Lee's I'd say they're about the same except Le Diplomate probably triumphs Lee's a little in area that they have more selections and that it's fresher and the bread is softer and doesn't scrape the roof of your mouth out. The interior of the place was a little dirty looking to me though. But they do serve pastries from Vie de France read more

Hands down the best sandwich place I've been to. I got the Chicken and Broccoli sandwich and added a little Sriracha for umph. Mmm..amazing! I really liked the garlicy mayo sauce that came with it. Honestly, judging by the stars this place has, you don't even need to bother reading every one. Just go and try it. You know you want to! read more

Get the chicken broccoli mushroom with garlic sauce. Don't forget to add in sriracha! I always get the full-sized sandwich because... why not? You're going to regret it later if you don't anyways. So save yourself the remorse and just get the full-size. Oh yeah, did I mention eating this sandwich cold is good...like still REALLY, REALLY GOOD? That's how flippin' AWESOME THE SANDWICH IS. You can really tell the quality of the sandwich by its' half-life. There is no half-life when it comes to Le Dip. NO HALF-LIFE. This place is NOT over-hyped and lives up to its' expectations. Every time I come here, I walk away happy ^_^ read more

Still a fan, even though the most recent time I went they were closed and I had to find a substitution for lunch. That's okay though, I still stand by them. Also new discovery, their Vietnamese coffee - ALSO TO DIE FOR! Really, it's smooth and not acidic at all. Must be the slow drip method they use. I am so glad that they aren't closed for good - like I thought when I stopped by. I love coming in for lunch, even with the crowd. Best thing would be to call in your order, but sometimes that is even difficult to get through. That center doesn't have a great selection, a lot of B-grade food establishments, but Le Dip is definitely the star! read more

Awesome sandwich place. I would come here for a quick lunch whenever I was in the area for work during the spring and summer months last year. The chicken cordon bleu sandwich really hits the spot with its savory creaminess. I'm not sure what the spread is, but it's not your ordinary bland spread, I can tell you that! The bread is so fresh tasting too and pleasantly soft, but not too soft. Heads up: It is a bit greasy, but for someone who is hungry af during the lunch hour, this can't be beat. Get it with chips and a soda to complete your meal. The plaza can get a bit crowded with local university people on weekday afternoons, but it's not terrible. The wait is reasonable. I'd definitely come back here when I'm in the area and craving a flavorful sandwich. read more

It was my first time here, and I was picking up sandwiches for dinner. The girl behind the counter didn't seem like she was having a good day and wasn't terribly enthusiastic when I was asking questions. In any case, the food was pretty good. I got the chicken club and the chicken broccoli mushroom. By the time we sat down to eat the sandwiches, the bread was a bit tough to chew/bite through, but the chicken club was still pretty decent. The chicken broccoli mushroom stole the show for sure though. So so yummy...this is gonna be the sandwich I get from now on. read more

I normally go here if I am craving a vietnemese sandwich and I don't have the cash for Lee's. I never really venture from the chicken because it is the safe zone. But today I decided to venture and try the chicken garlic. Man oh man does this sandwich blow. Ugh. The mayo was unbelievably overpowering and I felt like it was just sliming on more fat to my hips. It is quite busy and the best stategy is to beat the lunch crowd. Get there before 11:45! read more

The next time I go back to Irvine, i will have a chicken garlic sandwich. Back in the day at UCI, I use to trek my way through Aldrich Park, cross the bridge and make my way to Le Dip and it was all worth it. And you know I took advantage of those coupons in the New U too. Great great local food joint. Highly recommended. read more

I haven't been back in awhile due to the fact that it's in the opposite direction of where I work and, for some reason, I can't imagine needing or wanting to deal with the UCI crowd during lunch or rush hour. I'm in LOVE with their garlic chicken sandwich (with extra garlic sauce, mind you)! I had a hard time finding this place, so for future reference, it's easiest and closest to park near the Trader Joe's (I think). The prices are very reasonable, and the quality of the food is excellent! The veggies are always fresh and crisp, the chicken is always juicy, and the bread... oh, don't get me started on the bread. I love Vie de France bread! So yum! The garlic sauce is what ultimately makes the garlic chicken sandwich. I typically order it with broccoli and mushroom, and it is so savory! It's a party in your mouth when it's drenched in the sauce. Mmm. My friend Kristin tried their eggplant sandwich, and she remarked that it was delicious as well. I'm sort of vying for one now that I have written this review.... hmm... Anyone want to buy me one and be my new best friend? :) read more

Ah I get nostalgic whenever I come back to University Center. Le Dip, as they call it, packs a fancy garlic chicken sandwich so simple and true, not amateur simple, but professional simple. I guess that's the rave here. It was my first time having it today. I know, 6 years later, like come on, where have u been. Yea. read more

Le Diplomate Cafe - Bakeries Near Me - Irvine, California

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Visiting from out-of-town, wasn't sure if the high yelp rating was due to the food or because this place is near UCI and had a bunch of students' reviews. I can confirm that these are damn good sandwiches if you love garlic. Garlicky garlicky goodness, with melted cheese, and yummy chicken chunks -- every bite was goodness. No regrets choosing this place, next time I'd order the large sandwich. read more

A friendly Anteater once told me about Le Dip, and how it was the true sandwich place in UTC, NOT Lee's Sandwiches. So while I was visiting campus, I dropped by to get a quick dinner snack. I had the Chicken Broccoli with mushrooms, garlic sauce (ranch is another option), and melted swiss cheese. The sandwich was so amazing! The flavors complemented each other so well, and eating the sandwich fresh just made the experience so much better. I can't say much more, I only had a quick stop in here last time, but I'll definitely be coming back to try their other offerings! read more

I graduated from UC Irvine before Le Diplomate Cafe was added to University Center. In those days, the best sandwich near campus was Cornerstone Cafe, which is not saying much. However, we could go a little bit to Jamboree/73 to have a garlic chicken sandwich at Lina's Bakery. It was the best sandwich in the world - a freshly baked roll with moist chicken and thick and yummy garlic sauce. Then, some foolish driver plowed their car through the front window, and Lina's closed up shop. So, when I read about about teh Chicken Broccoli Mushroom sandwich at Le Diplomate Cafe, I knew that I needed to try it. I was coming to the area for a meeting, so I stopped in on a Saturday morning for a half sandwich. My order was taken immediately. Oh, I was so sad when I bit into that sandwich. It is not even in the same hemisphere as Lina's. The bread is tasty - uber fresh with a great crumb and I love pressed sandwiches. The broccoli was undercooked (which I did not really mind), the mushrooms were tough to find because there were so few, the chicken was overcooked (which I do mind), and the garlic sauce was watery (which is lame). They had other sandwiches, and I might return to try others if I am in the area. But for old timers, this is no replacement for Lina's. read more

wow im impressed!! i would never expect something this good to be close to campus. Got half of an egg plant sandwich (feta, garlic sauce, tomato, grilled eggplant) other than sounding yum-tastic it was actually flippin bombskis!! You know adding mushrooms probably would have made it even better. This is the perfect small meal. Which means im going to be eating 3 hours later. Perfect for those who are trying to build a fast metabolism!! People are not kidding or even hyping it up when they say that Le dip is way better than Lees sandwich. I totally agree Le Dip butt rapes the shit out of Lees sandwich. read more

I have cravings for Le Dip every time I'm hungry. I can eat their sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and never get sick. I usually get the Chicken Dijon, plain and simple with a kick from the sriracha sauce they give you. The bread, the dijon, the chicken, mixes so well in your mouth and leaves the best aftertaste. Plus, it's so cheap! Less than $4 for a 5 inch sandwich. Next time I am going to get the 9 inch so I can stuff my face for even longer! The inside of Le Dip is a bit run-down. There's chips that no one gets, an empty pastry case with a few baguettes, some faded posters.... read more

As a soon to be UCI alum, I thought it about time I reviewed Le Dip. This place has been here longer than i've been in college, and a long while ago, it found the right mix of price, quality, quantity, and location. And it's paid off in the extreme long run. Le Dip is the bees knees. I always get the Chicken, Broccoli, Mushroom w/ Garlic Sauce. And there's a reason for that... On my first day at UCI, I met up with an old friend who had just graduated the year before. As a young, eager, and frankly scared college freshman, I did not know what I was getting myself into. As I strolled through the housing complex, seeing other kids saying goodbye to their loved ones, while I myself only had a footlocker and suitcase to my name, I found solace in knowing that in 4+ years time, I'd graduate and make something of myself. Thanks to social media, my friend found that I was just starting my first day at UCI, and called me up. After a quick chat and greetings were given, we agreed to meet down by the parking lot and go for a stroll. We began to walk towards UTC, a place I had only briefly glimpsed on my way in to Irvine. Next thing I knew we were standing outside Le Dip, while other freshman and Anteaters were making their way to Cha, Yogurtland, and (at the time) ZPizza. He led me in and told me what to order, telling me that this was his staple sandwich, the Chicken, Broccoli, Mushroom w/ Garlic Sauce. After paying, finding a table inside, and getting our food, I proceeded to divulge my fears and worries about starting college, the sandwich (with a side of siracha sauce) tasted amazingly delicious. My friend listened intently and after spilling all my woes, he laid out a guideline of things I should and should not do in college, reassuring me that if I were to follow these simple things, that I'd make some great friends, and even more great memories. An hour and more slowly went by before I realized that my sandwich was no where to be seen. I had devoured it and forgot to remember how it was. But what I did remember was a feeling of warmth and security. My friend had offered me some wisdom and advice, and had extended a helping hand to a young and very scared college student, way out of his element, and barely able to differentiate between his left and right shoes. Skip ahead to 4 years later, with graduation around the corner, I still look back on that moment, and revel in my insecurity. I still get nervous, and lost sometimes, but whenever I start to feel scared, lost, and unsure of where to go next, I remind myself to go get a Chicken, Broccoli, Mushroom w/ Garlic sauce. And not to forget the Siracha. read more

When I was living in So Cal, I wasn't particularly close to Irvine so was always a bit of a trek to get here, and I usually got a bit lost looking for the shop as it's located in a big plaza. Anyway, the sandwiches are the bomb-dot-com and worth a visit. Even though I don't live in the area anymore, I still think about their chicken and eggplant sandwich all the time. So toasty, warm, and delicious. And that garlic sauce! read more

This is hidden gem for sandwiches. They have so many variations of vegetarian as well as chicken options. I love many of these especially mushrooms with garlic or mayo sauce in it. I go here very often. Must try place. read more

I have loved "Le Dip" since I was first introduced to it in college. The sandwiches... particularly the garlic chicken has been my favorite for years. Crunchy, delectable, and always fresh - they are a delicious treat to everyone craving sandwiches. All my out-of-town friends get to "experience" Le Diplomate Caf when they come visit, and it has been the most requested gift when I visit them. As my little sister simply puts it, "those sandwiches are da bomb!" Due to its location (in the heart of UCI's University Center, close to the John Wayne Airport, and across the street from student housing) you are sure to have to wait in line if you come around lunch time. Though they are certainly worth it, you wouldn't want to put yourself in the position of having to eat in the car, eating while walking, or attending your next appointment with bread crumbs on your shirt, or garlic breath. The price is affordable, the sandwiches are great, and the service is good. read more